Roof mounted vehicle topper

ABSTRACT

A roof mounted vehicle topper includes an electronic display, a housing for said electronic display, and a cross bar. The housing is mounted to the cross bar which is configured for mounting to the roof of a vehicle. At least a portion of the cross bar is hollow. A power source for said electronic display is located outside of said housing. Electrical wiring extends from said power source, through the hollow portion of said cross bar, to the electronic display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/934,074 filed Mar. 23, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/476,385 filed Mar. 24, 2017 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/571,631 filed Oct. 12, 2017, thedisclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to aroof mounted vehicle topper.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle toppers are sometimes used to display information andadvertising on the otherwise vacant roof of a vehicle. For many years,these vehicle toppers displayed static images. In recent years,electronic displays have replaced traditional, static displays. The useof electronic displays allows content to be quickly and easily changedand permits the use of videos and interactive graphics, among otherbenefits. However, these electronic displays often require additionalequipment, making them heavier than their traditional counterparts.Further, the market has begun demanding increasingly larger displays,which requires increasingly larger (and generally heavier) vehicletoppers. Those of skill in the arts of placing displays on the roofs ofvehicles have believed that it was necessary to provide vehiclescarrying such electronic displays with drastic, enhanced internalstructural supports to enable a relatively heavy and large electronicdisplay to be mounted to the roof of the vehicle in a secure manner.Theses enhanced internal structural supports require significant effortand costs to install. Additionally, such modifications typically requiresignificant effort to remove and leave lasting changes to the vehicle,if removal is even possible. As an example, but not to serve as alimitation, one may wish to remove the display so that one can resell avehicle and/or place the display on a different vehicle.

With the rise of private transportation service companies such as Uberand Lyft, personal vehicles are increasingly being used for paidtransportation services alongside more traditional services such aspublic transportation, taxis, town cars, and limousines. Such private orcommercial drivers, or any other owner of a personal or commercialvehicle, could benefit from being able to display advertisements andother information on a vehicle topper that is capable of being mountedto a personal or commercial vehicle without the need for extensivemodification. Such a vehicle topper can be used to display informationand advertising for a multitude of purposes, including but not limitedto, generating additional revenue for the vehicle owner or driver.Therefore, what is needed is a roof mounting apparatus and system for avehicle topper having an electronic display.

Roof mounted objects, such as but not limited to vehicle toppers, oftenexperience vibrational forces. Such forces may be caused by travelingover bumpy, rough surfaces, or uneven road surfaces, aerodynamic forces,and/or the vehicle itself (e.g., engine vibrations). Such vibrationalforces may be translated through the frame and other components of thevehicle to the vehicle topper. Exposure to prolonged or excessivevibrational forces may cause the damage to the vehicle topper or evencause the vehicle topper to become dislodged. Vehicle toppers are likelyto experience a number of forces when the vehicle is in operation. Inorder to stably mount the vehicle topper unit to the vehicle, enhancedstrength mounting components are needed. Additionally, components whichdampen or otherwise attenuate the transfer of vibrational forces aredesirable. Therefore, what is needed is roof mounting apparatus andsystem for a vehicle topper having an electronic display, where saidroof mounting apparatus and system dampens or otherwise attenuatesvibrational forces and has enhanced strength mounting components.

The present invention is a roof mounting apparatus and system for avehicle topper having an electronic display, where said roof mountingapparatus and system dampens or otherwise attenuates vibrational forcesand has enhanced strength mounting components. The vehicle topper maycomprise a pair of displays placed back to back. The vehicle topper mayhave a mounting device for securing the vehicle topper to a pair ofcross bars. The cross bars may be attached to a set of base unitslocated at substantially the four corners of the vehicle roof. The frontpair of base units may be located near the A pillar while the rear pairof base units may be located near the C pillar.

Each base unit may be mounted to the roof by a pair of threadedfasteners that extends through the cross bars and the base units andinto rivet nuts placed in the roof, such as in the rain ditch. Thethreaded fasteners and rivet nuts may provide a substantially watertightseal. The bottom surface of the base units may be configured to matchthe pitch of the roof for each model and make of car such that thebottom edge of the vehicle topper, when mounted, is locatedsubstantially parallel with the ground and approximately ¼^(th) inchabove the crown point of the roof. Wiring may extend from a powersource, the other electronic components for operating the vehicletopper, and the vehicle's computer system, each of which may be locatedin the trunk or beneath the hood of the vehicle, to the vehicle topper.The wiring may travel through or along the A, B, or C pillars, the baseunits, the cross bars, and to or into the vehicle topper.

The cross bars may be comprised of sufficiently strong materials and ofbe of sufficient thickness to adequately support the vehicle topper. Thecross bars may comprise a varying cross section. The varying crosssection may cause the cross bar to have different natural or resonantfrequencies at different locations, as the cross section may affect thecross bar's natural or resonant frequency. In exemplary embodiments, thecross bars may taper from the outer edges towards the center. A centersection of the cross bay may have a consistent cross section. The centersection may be utilized for attaching the vehicle topper to the crossbar. The cross bars may be configured to receive wiring, which mayextend therethrough. The cross bars may additionally be configured toreceive caps on the outer ends thereof to improve appearance andaerodynamics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of thepresent invention will be readily apparent from the followingdescriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein likereference numerals across the several views refer to identical orequivalent features, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an exemplary vehicle topper androof mounting apparatus mounted to the roof of a vehicle; and

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a detailed front perspective view of an exemplary base unitshown in isolation so as to illustrate additional features of the baseunit;

FIG. 2B is a detailed front perspective view of another exemplary baseunit shown in isolation so as to illustrate additional features of thebase unit;

FIG. 3A is a front sectional view of an exemplary vehicle shown withoutthe roof mounting apparatus or vehicle topper;

FIG. 3B is a front sectional view similar to FIG. 3A illustrated with asectional view of an exemplary base unit;

FIG. 4 is front sectional view similar to FIG. 3B illustrated with asectional view of an exemplary base unit, cross bar, threaded fastener,and rivet nut;

FIG. 5 is a side view of any exemplary system;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view similar to FIG. 1A, illustrating anexemplary wiring path;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another exemplary vehicle topper and roofmounting apparatus, also indicating Detail A;

FIG. 8 is a detailed top perspective view of some of the components ofDetail A of FIG. 7 partially assembled;

FIG. 9 is a detailed side perspective view of the system of FIG. 7partially assembled;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cross bar inaccordance with FIG. 7 shown in isolation to illustrate additionalfeatures of the cross bar;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the cross bar of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the cross bar of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the cross bar of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of a partially assembled andpartially installed exemplary vehicle topper, also indicating Detail B;

FIG. 14B is a front perspective view of Detail B of FIG. 14A with thecomponents partially assembled;

FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of an exemplary vehicle topperundergoing installation on an exemplary cross bar, also indicatingDetail C;

FIG. 15B is a detailed top perspective view of Detail C of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of an exemplary cap for use withthe cross bar;

FIG. 16B is a side perspective view of the cap of FIG. 16A undergoinginstallation on an exemplary cross bar;

FIG. 17A is a side perspective view of exemplary wiring partiallyinstalled on an exemplary cross bar, also indicating Detail D;

FIG. 17B is a detailed front perspective view of detail D of FIG. 17Awith an exemplary edge guard shown in isolation from other components;

FIG. 18A is a front perspective view of an exemplary vehicle indicatinginstallation locations and instructions for wining;

FIG. 18B is a front perspective view similar to FIG. 18A; and

FIG. 18C is a front perspective view similar to FIG. 18A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the followingdescription, specific details such as detailed configuration andcomponents are merely provided to assist the overall understanding ofthese embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should beapparent to those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications of the embodiments described herein can be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Inaddition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions areomitted for clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate an exemplary mounting apparatus formounting an exemplary vehicle topper 10 to a roof 21 of a vehicle 20. Anumber of base units 26 may be located on the roof 21. A pair of crossbars 24 may extend across the roof 21, each between two of the baseunits 26. The cross bars 24 may be comprised of tube steel and maycomprise a substantially square, rectangular, or tubular cross section,though any shape is contemplated. In other exemplary embodiments, thecross bars 24 may be formed by folding sheet metal into a substantiallyC-shaped bar, though any manufacturing process is contemplated. Asfurther described herein, in other exemplary embodiments, the cross bars24 may comprise a varying cross section. The cross bars 24 may becomprised of a metal or a blend of metals, though any material iscontemplated.

A first and second cross bar fascia 23 may be attached to each of thecross bars 24. Each cross bar fascia 23 may cover a portion orsubstantially all of the respective cross bar 24. The cross bar fascia23 may provide an aesthetically pleasing look as well as improvedaerodynamics. As an example, but not to serve as a limitation, the crossbar fascia 23 may be shaped to substantially match the curve of the roof21. The cross bar fascia 23 may be comprised of plastic, though any typeof material is contemplated. In exemplary embodiments where asubstantially C-shaped cross bar 24 is utilized, the cross bar fascia 23may additionally enclose the otherwise open end of the C.

The base units 26 may be configured to be located near each corner ofthe roof 21. In this way, the first cross bar 24 may extend between thepair of base units 26 mounted near the front of the roof 21 and thesecond cross bar 24 may extend between the pair of base units 26 mountednear the rear of the roof 21. In exemplary embodiments, the front pairof base units 26 may be placed substantially directly over, or otherwisein close proximity with, the A pillar 16 of the vehicle 20, while therear pair of base units 26 may be placed substantially directly over, orotherwise in close proximity with, the C pillar 18 of the vehicle 20.This arrangement may assist with decreasing or distributing shock,stress, strain, vibrations, and other forces on the vehicle topper 10and the roof mounting apparatus.

The base units 26 may be any size or shape and may be configured to beattached to the roof 21. For example, but not to serve as a limitation,the bottom of the base units 26 may be sized and shaped to substantiallymatch the pitch of the roof 21 in the location the base units 26 are tobe mounted. The base units 26 may be the same size, shape, andconfiguration for many or all types of vehicles 20. In other exemplaryembodiments, however, the base units 26 are sized, shaped, andconfigured to fit a particular make and model of vehicle. Each base unit26 (e.g., the front left, front right, rear right, and rear left) may bedifferently sized, shaped, and configured or they all may besubstantially the same. In exemplary embodiments, the front left andfront right base units 26 are substantially identical while the rearleft and rear right base units 26 are likewise substantially identical.

The vehicle topper 10 may comprise one or more electronic displays 12.In exemplary embodiments, the vehicle topper 10 comprises a pair ofelectronic displays 12 placed back-to-back within a housing 11. Thecomponents used to operate and maintain the electronic displays 12 maybe mounted between, or on the posterior surface of, the electronicdisplays 12. Such components may include, but are not limited to,electronic storage devices, processors, input/output devices, TCON,video players, other electronic components, fans, thermoelectric units,thermal plates, heat exchangers, cooling channels, plenums, airpathways, other cooling systems, wireless transmitters and receivers,cellular network devices, other communications equipment, GPS, otherlocation detection equipment, temperature sensors, ambient lightsensors, air quality sensors, accelerometers, strain sensors, othersensors, cameras, video and imaging capturing equipment, microphone andother audio capturing equipment, speakers, and the like.

In exemplary embodiments, the housing 11 is the same size regardless ofthe make or model of the vehicle 20 and the housing 11 may be sized tocomply with the city ordinances of all cities or a selection of cities.In such embodiments, a standard size display 12 may be used across manyvehicle toppers 10. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the housing11 may be various sizes to accommodate various make and model vehicles20 as well as various size displays 12.

The vehicle topper 10 may mounted to the cross bars 24 by way of amounting device 30 located on the vehicle topper 10. In exemplaryembodiments, the mounting device 30 may be a pair of brackets that eachextend substantially parallel with the ground from the front and therear ends of the vehicle topper 10. The mounting device 30 may bepositioned such that when the vehicle topper 10 is mounted to the roof21, the bottom edge of the vehicle topper 10 rests a distance from thecrown point of the roof 21. For example, but not to serve as alimitation, there may be substantially a ¼ inch gap between the crownand the bottom edge of the vehicle topper 10, though any size gap (or nogap) is contemplated. In this way, the bottom edge of the vehicle topper10 may rest near the roof 21 of the vehicle 20, thus permitting thevehicle topper 10 to maintain a low profile, which may provide enhancedstability, safety, and aerodynamics as well as providing a moreaesthetically pleasing look. Regardless, the mounting device 30 mayextend over the top of or surround a portion (or all) of the cross bars24 and may be attached or bonded thereto such as, but not limited to,through the use of fasteners, bolts, screws, nails, adhesive, welding,or the like. In other exemplary embodiments, the mounting device 30 maycomprise a protrusion that interacts with a corresponding groove in thecross bars 24. Any attachment mechanism is contemplated.

A pair of end cap fascia 28 may be configured to be secured to the frontand rear of the vehicle topper 10, respectively. The end cap fascia 28may cover a portion or the entirety of the respective end of the vehicletopper 10 and may also cover at least a portion of the mounting device30. The end cap fascia 28 may protect the interior of the vehicle topper10 as well as provide an aesthetically pleasing look and improvedaerodynamics. The end cap fascia 28 may be configured to abut or extendatop a portion of the cross bar fascia 23 to present a seamless,unified, or otherwise aesthetically pleasing appearance that may alsoimprove aerodynamics.

The roof mounting apparatus and its various components may be configuredto place the bottom edge of the vehicle topper 10 substantially parallelwith the ground. Oftentimes, certain vehicles 20 are configured to tiltslightly upwards or downwards when the vehicle 20 is empty of allpassengers and cargo. In such cases, the roof mounting apparatus andsystem as well as its various components may be configured to compensatefor said tilt such that the bottom edge of the vehicle topper 10 ismounted substantially parallel with the ground when the vehicle 20 isempty. Alternatively, the roof mounting apparatus and system as well asits various components may be configured to compensate for said tiltsuch that the bottom edge of the vehicle topper 10 is mountedsubstantially parallel with the ground when the vehicle 20 is carryingan average load or is substantially fully loaded. This arrangement mayreduce shock, stress, strain, vibrations, and other forces placed on thevehicle mounting apparatus, its various components, and the vehicletopper 10 as well as improve overall ride performance of the vehicle 20.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate detailed views of an exemplary embodimentof the base units 26 shown in isolation to illustrate additionalfeatures of the base units 26. The base units 26 may be comprised ofrubber, plastic, metal, or the like. The base units 26 may define anaperture 33 that passes completely through the base unit 26. As will beexplained in greater detail, the aperture 33 may be any size or shapeand may be located anywhere on the base unit 26. In exemplaryembodiments, the aperture 33 is configured to receive a fastener 37 andelectrical wiring 44. The base units 26 may further comprise an exteriorside channel 34 and an interior side channel 36. As will be described ingreater detail herein, the exterior side channel 34 may be configured toreceive the electrical wiring 44, which passes through the base unit 26and may exits via the interior side channel 36. The exterior sidechannel 34 may be located on the side of the base unit 26 facing theoutside of the vehicle 20 while the interior side channel may be locatedon the side of the base unit 26 facing the interior of the vehicle 20.In exemplary embodiments, the exterior side channel 34 is located alongor near the bottom edge of the base unit 26 and the interior sidechannel 36 is located along or near the upper edge of the base unit 26.

As previously discussed, the bottom edge of the base unit 26 may beconfigured to substantially match the pitch of the roof 21 and bemounted thereto. The upper edge of the base unit 26 may be configured toreceive the cross bars 24, which may be mounted thereto. In exemplaryembodiments, the upper edge of the base unit 26 comprises a lip 35 whichmay be configured to assist in properly locating and securing the crossbars 24 such that the cross bars 24 may be placed into the depressiondefined by the lip 35. The cross bars 24 may be fastened, welded,adhered or otherwise attached or bonded to the respective base units 26.In exemplary embodiments, the cross bar 24 may be received such thatthere is a gap between the cross bar 24 and the roof 21. The cross bars24 may be configured to assist in dispersing or absorbing shock, stress,strain, vibrations, and other forces.

One or more pads 32 may be secured to the bottom edge of the base units26. The pads 32 may be located and configured to provide additionalsupport and stability to the base units 26. The pads 32 may also, oralternatively, further assist in dispersing or absorbing shock, stress,strain, vibrations, and other forces. In exemplary embodiments, the pads32 are affixed to the bottom edge of the base units 26 such as by thethreaded fastener 37, fasteners, adhesive, frictional forces, or thelike. The pads 32 may be comprised of a shock and/or vibration absorbingmaterial such as, but not limited to, rubber, silicon, plastic, or thelike. The use of the pads 32 is optional.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate an exemplary cross section of the vehicle20 with and without the base unit 26 installed. The base units 26 may besized, shaped, and configured to be placed at different locations on theroof 21 based upon a number of factors including, but not limited to,the pitch and crown point of the roof 21. In exemplary embodiments, thebase unit 26 may be configured to be mounted to a ditch 19 in the roof21. The ditch 19 may be the rain ditch. In such embodiments, the baseunit 26 may be formed such that a portion of the base unit 26 isconfigured to extend into the cavity defined by the ditch 19. In otherexemplary embodiments, the base units 26 may be configured to be mountedapproximately 1 inch towards the center of the vehicle 20 from the ditch19, though any location is contemplated.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary mounting configuration. The cross bar 24may be positioned along the upper portion of the base unit 26 and may besecured within the depression formed by the lip 35. The cross bar 24 maycomprise a through hole configured to receive the fastener 37, which maybe a threaded fastener or the like. The fastener 37 may extend throughthe cross bar 24, the aperture 33, and the pad 23 (if used), and into areceiver 38 configured to receive the fastener 37. In exemplaryembodiments, the receiver 38 is threaded to receive the threadedfasteners 37, though such is not required. In such embodiments, thereceiver 38 may be, without limitation, a rivet nut. However, otherthreaded receivers 38 and fasteners 37 are contemplated such as screws,bolts, nuts, and the like. The portion of the cross bar 24 configured tofit within the depression formed by the lip 35 or otherwise receive thefastener 37 may be a mounting tab that extends from the rest of thecross bar 24. Regardless, the receiver 38 may be located in the ditch19, through any location is contemplated.

In exemplary embodiments, each base unit 26 is configured to receive twofasteners 37, each of which are threaded into the respective receivers38. The base units 26 may be configured to receive the fasteners 37 atsubstantially either end of thereof, though any location iscontemplated. In other exemplary embodiments, the fastener 37 may extendinto the cant rails connecting the A, B, and C, pillars. In suchembodiments, the fasteners 37 may extend directly into the cant rails,or the fasteners 37 may extend into the receivers 38 located in the cantrails. It is contemplated that any other type of attachment device maybe utilized with the present invention, as an alternative to or inaddition of those listed herein. Such other attachment devices include,but are not limited to, screws, nails, bolts, nuts, washers, adhesive,welding, or the like. Likewise, adhesives, washers, O-rings, sealant,caulking, or the like may be utilized in addition to any of theaforementioned attachment mechanisms, including but not limited to, thefasteners 37 and the receivers 38.

The fastener 37 and the receivers 38 may be configured to provide asubstantially watertight seal between the mounting apparatus and theroof 21 to prevent water from intruding into the vehicle 20. The pads32, washers, rubber seal, O-ring, caulking, sealant or the like may beutilized to ensure, or assist in creating, the substantially watertightseal. The use of the fasteners 37 and receivers 38 may permit ease ofsubsequent removal of the vehicle topper 10, such as but not limited to,to improve resale value of the vehicle 20 and/or to use the vehicletopper 10 on another vehicle 20.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary wiring arrangement and systemfor the vehicle topper 10 when mounted to the vehicle 20. Electricalwiring 44 may connect the vehicle topper 10 to a power source 42. Inexemplary embodiments, the power source 42 may be located in the trunkor in beneath the hood of the vehicle 20, though any location iscontemplated. The location of the power source 42 may be determined bythe make and model of the vehicle as the power source 42 may be thevehicle's 20 battery or other power supply system. The power source 42may be a battery pack, alternator, generator, some combination thereof,or the like. Additionally, the electrical wiring 44 may connect thevehicle topper 10 to other components used to operate the vehicle topper10 including, but not limited to, an electronic storage device, videoplayer, location devices, communications equipment, and the like. Suchcomponents may be located in the trunk or in beneath the hood of thevehicle 20, though any location is contemplated. The location of suchequipment may depend on the make and model of the vehicle 20. Furtherstill, the electrical wiring 44 may connect the vehicle topper 10 to thevehicle's 20 computer system. This computer system may be located in thetrunk or in beneath the hood of the vehicle 20, though any location iscontemplated. Indeed, the location may depend on the make and model ofthe vehicle 20.

Electrical wiring 44 may extend from the power source 42, the othercomponents used to operate the vehicle topper 10, and/or the vehicle's20 computer system along or through the A pillars 16 and/or C pillars 18as appropriate, though any wiring path is contemplated. The electricalwiring 44 may extend along or through a single pillar or throughmultiple pillars. For example, but not to serve as a limitation, theelectrical wiring 44 may be separated and passed through multiplepillars so as to minimize the size of each individual wire bundle. Inexemplary embodiments, the electrical wiring 44 extends along the blackmask area and/or behind the trim surrounding the A pillars 16 or Cpillars 18 so it is not visible from the interior or exterior of thevehicle 20. The electrical wiring 44 may be secured to the vehicle 20using VHB tape, though any means of attachment is contemplated.Additionally, the wiring 44 may be secured to the vehicle 20 or variouscomponents described herein using VHB tape, other types of tape oradhesives, rope, zip-ties, rubber bands, some combination thereof, andthe like. The electrical wiring 44 may then extend along or through thebase units 26. In exemplary embodiments, the electrical wiring 44 mayextend through the exterior side channel 34, the aperture 33, and theinterior side channel 36. The electrical wiring 44 may then extend alongor through the cross bars 24. In exemplary embodiments, the electricalwiring 44 may extend between the cross bar fascia 23 and the cross bar24. The electrical wiring 44 may then extend through the end cap fascia28 and to or into the vehicle topper 10. Any wiring path iscontemplated.

In exemplary embodiments, the electrical wiring 44 is comprised offestoon type wire, though any type of electrical wiring is contemplated.The electrical wiring 44 may be utilized not only to deliver power tothe vehicle topper 10 but also to facilitate the communication of datato and from the vehicle topper 10 and other components of the systemincluding, but not limited to, data regarding content to be displayed onthe displays 12, the location of the vehicle topper 10, the contentcurrently or previously displayed on the displays 12, temperatureinformation, fan speed, ambient light readings, ambient conditionsinformation, status data, operations data, and the like. Further, theelectrical wiring 44 may be in electrical communication with thevehicle's 20 computer and may communicate vehicle status data and otherdata to and from the vehicle topper 10 or other components of thesystem, including but not limited to, engine on and off signals. Forexample, but not to serve as a limitation, when the vehicle topper 10receives a signal that the vehicle's 20 engine is off, the vehicletopper 10 may power off. Likewise, when the vehicle topper 10 receives asignal that the vehicle's 20 engine is on, the vehicle topper 10 maypower on.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another exemplary vehicle topper 100 androof mounting apparatus and system in accordance with the presentinvention, also indicating Detail A. Features similar to thoseillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1-6 have been similarlynumbered but increased by 100 (e.g., 37 to 137). A vehicle topper unit110 may be secured to a first and second cross bar 124 located on thefront and rear portions of the roof 121 of a vehicle 120. As will bedescribed in greater detail herein, the cross bars 124 may be secured toa ditch 119 in the roof 212 by the use of fasteners 137. The ditch 119may be, but is not limited to, the rain ditch. The cross bars 124 may beconfigured to receive wiring 144, which may extend through the crossbars 124 and may be connected to the vehicle topper unit 110. Inexemplary embodiments, a connector 145 may be located on the end of thewiring 144 and may be configured to provide a connection/disconnectionpoint for placing the vehicle topper 110 in electrical connection withthe wiring 144. In exemplary embodiments, the cross bars 124 arecomprised of one or more metals, which may be powder coated or otherwisetreated, though any material having any kind of treatment iscontemplated. As described in greater detail herein, particularly withrespect to FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, a cap 140 may be placed on any or allof the outer ends of the cross bars 124, though such is not required.

The vehicle topper 110 may be secured to approximately the mid-sectionof the cross bars 124 at either end thereof. However, it is contemplatedthat the vehicle topper unit 110 may be secured to any location on thecross bars 124. In exemplary embodiments, the vehicle topper 110 issecured to the cross bars 124 by use of the fasteners 137. It iscontemplated that each of the fasteners 137 illustrated and describedherein may be the same or different as other fasteners 137 illustratedand described herein.

It is contemplated that any other type of fastener 137, receiver 138, orother type of attachment device may be utilized with the presentinvention, including but not limited to, screws, nails, bolts, nuts,washers, adhesive, welding, or the like. Likewise, adhesives, washers,O-rings, sealant, caulking, or the like may be utilized in addition toany of the aforementioned attachment mechanisms, including but notlimited to, the fasteners 137 and receivers 138.

FIG. 8 is a detailed top perspective view of some of the componentsindicated in Detail A of FIG. 7 partially assembled. More particularly,FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary placement of the receivers 138 in the ditch119. In exemplary embodiments, the receivers 138 are threaded, such asbut not limited to, rivet nuts. Regardless, the receivers 138 may beconfigured to receive and secure the fasteners 137. A block 126 may beused to vertically space the cross bar 124 from the receiver 138. Theblock 126 may be configured to allow the fastener 137 to passtherethrough and into the receiver 138. In exemplary embodiments, theblock 126 is approximately the same height as the ditch 119 such thatthe top surface of the block 126 is substantially flush with the roof121 when located in the ditch 119. However, any size and height block126 is contemplated. In exemplary embodiments, the block 126 iscomprised of metal, though any type of material is contemplated.

FIG. 9 is a detailed side perspective view of Detail A of FIG. 7partially assembled. More specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates the cross bar124 installed over the ditch 119. The fasteners 137 may be securedthrough apertures 128 located in the outer plate 113 of the cross bar124. The fasteners 137 may extend through the apertures 129, though theblock 126, and into the receivers 138, thereby securing the cross bar124 to the roof 121 of the vehicle 120. The receivers 138 may be locatedin the ditch 119 such that the cross bar 124 is secured to the ditch119.

FIG. 10 through FIG. 13 illustrate various views of the cross bar 124 inisolation from the other components. The cross bar 124 may comprise acenter section 117 with a first and second tapered section 115 extendingfrom either side thereof. An outer plate 113 may be bonded or otherwiseattached to the outer ends of the tapered sections 115. In exemplaryembodiments, the cross bar 124 may be hollow.

The center section 117 may be of substantially uniform cross section. Inexemplary embodiments, the center section 117 may comprise asubstantially rectangular cross section, though any shape iscontemplated. Regardless, the center section 117 may provide asubstantially level surface for mounting the vehicle topper 110 thereto.A number of apertures 129 may be located in the upper surface of thecenter section 117 and may be configured to receive fasteners 137 forsecuring the vehicle topper 110 to the cross bar 124. The apertures 129themselves may be threaded or a nut and bolt or other fastener may beused to secure the fasteners to the cross bar 124. Alternatively, thevehicle topper 110 may be bonded, adhered, or otherwise affixed to thecross bar 124.

In exemplary embodiments, the cross bars 124 may be hollow such that thewiring 144 may be extended through at least a portion thereof, thoughsuch is not required. A wiring aperture 127 may be located insubstantially the center of the upper surface of the center section 117,though any location is contemplated. The wiring aperture 127 may beconfigured to permit the wiring 144 to pass therethrough. In this way,the vehicle topper 110 may be placed in electrical connection with thewiring 144, which may extend through the cross bar 124. In exemplaryembodiments, rubber grommets may be placed around the wiring apertures127 to assist in prevent the wiring 144 from becoming damaged whencontacting the wiring apertures 127.

A first and second tapered section 115 may be bonded or otherwisesecured to either side of the center section 117. In exemplaryembodiments, the tapered sections 115 may comprise a substantiallytrapezoidal cross section, though any shape cross section iscontemplated. In further exemplary embodiments, the cross section of thetapered sections 115 increases from where the respective tapered section115 is connected to the center section 117 to the opposing end thereof,though the reverse is contemplated. Additionally, it is contemplatedthat the tapered sections 115 may vary in cross section randomly or inany pattern. Regardless, the varying cross section of the taperedsections 115 may be configured to provide varying natural or resonantfrequencies and/or varying characteristics so as to dampen or otherwiseattenuate the vibrational forces generated by or transmitted through thecross bar 124 that would otherwise likely be experienced in a cross barhaving a uniform cross section. It is further contemplated that thecenter section 117 may have a varying cross section. The varying crosssection may also provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

A first and second outer plate 113 may be located on the outer ends ofeach of the tapered sections 115, respectively. The outer plate 113 mayserve to at least partially enclose the end of the respective taperedsection 115. In exemplary embodiments, the lower portion of the outerplate 113 may extend at an angle therefrom such that the lower portionmay be place substantially flush with the surface of the roof 121. Forexample, without limitation, the outer plate 113 may form asubstantially “L” shape. The lower portion of the outer plate 113 maycomprise a number of apertures 129 therein, which may be configured toreceive the fasteners 137 for mounting the cross bar 124 to thereceivers 138 located in the roof 121. The outer plates 113 may beconfigured to elevate the lower surface of the tapered sections 115above the roof.

The outer plates 113 may further comprise a wiring aperture 127, whichmay be sized to permit the wring 144 to pass therethrough. In this way,the wiring 114 may travel into and through the tapered section 115 viathe wiring aperture 127 located in the outer plate 113, through at leasta portion of the center section 117, and may exit the cross bar 124 viathe wiring aperture 127 located in the center section 117. The wiringapertures 127 located in the outer plates 113 and the center section 117may be the same or different size and shape. In exemplary embodiments,the wiring 114 may pass through a single tapered section 115, however itis contemplated that the wiring 114 may pass through more than onetapered section 115. For example, without limitation, multiple wiring114 strands or cords may be utilized.

In exemplary embodiments, the outer plates 113 and the tapered sections115 may comprise apertures, receivers, or brackets for attaching thecaps 140 thereto. The caps 140 may be configured to extend over aportion of the cross bar 124 and provide an aesthetically pleasingappearance, improve aerodynamics, and disguise the wiring. Fasteners oradhesives may be used, in the alternative or addition, to secure thecaps 140 to the cross bars 124. Further, the caps 140 may be bonded tothe cross bars 124.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B illustrate the vehicle topper 110 at leastpartially mounted to the cross bar 124. The wiring 144 and connector 145may be passed through the cross bar 124 and may travel through anaperture 146 located in a mounting bracket 147 on the vehicle topper110. The connector 145 may be placed in contact with a correspondingreceptacle located on the vehicle topper 110. In exemplary embodiments,the connector 145 is a plug or an outlet, though any type of connectoris contemplated. In this way, the vehicle topper 110 may be placed inelectrical connection with the vehicle 200 as described and illustratedherein, particularly with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B illustrate an exemplary partial mounting of thevehicle topper 110 to the cross bar 124. The fastener(s) 137 may bepassed through the mounting bracket 147 and may be passed through theaperture(s) 129 on the cross bar 124. In exemplary embodiments, theapertures 129 may be threaded such that they secure the fasteners 137.In other exemplary embodiments, receivers 138 are installed in or belowthe apertures 129 to receive and secure the fastener 137. In still otherexemplary embodiments, the fasteners 137 may be secured by a nut,frictional forces, welding, bonding, adhesives, or the like. Any meansof securing the fastener 137 is contemplated.

FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of an exemplary cap 140, and FIG.16B illustrates an exemplary installation of the cap 140 on the crossbar 124. The cap 140 may be configured to cover an end of the cross bar124 when installed. In exemplary embodiments, the caps 140 may providean aesthetically pleasing appearance, may improve aerodynamics, and maycover and protect at least a portion of the wiring 144, fasteners 137,and related components. The caps 140 may be connected to the cross bars124 by fasteners, adhesive, or the like. Alternatively, or in addition,the caps 140 may be bonded to the cross bars 124. In exemplaryembodiments, the cross bars 124 may comprise brackets configured toreceive and secure the caps 140. In exemplary embodiments, the caps 140are comprised of a polymer, though any material is contemplated.

FIG. 17A illustrates the wiring 144 extending through the wiringaperture 127 in the cross bar 124. An exemplary bracket 143 forreceiving and securing the cap 140 is also illustrated. The bracket 143may be installed on the tapered section 115 or the outer plate 113 ofthe cross bar 124 and may be configure to receive and secure the cap140. The cap 140 may be configured to likewise fit over the bracket 143and the cross bar 124. The bracket 143 may be configured to secure thecap 140 to the cross bar 124.

FIG. 17B illustrates an exemplary edge guard 141 for use with the crossbar 124. The edge guard 141 may be placed on various parts of the crossbar 124 to protect the wiring 144 from damage when contacting the crossbar 124. In exemplary embodiments, the edge guard is comprised of arubber and is configured to substantially cover sharp edges such as toprevent damage to the wiring 144 which may come into contact with suchedges. It is contemplated that other, similar edge guards 141 may beused with other components described herein.

FIG. 18A, FIG. 18B, and FIG. 18C illustrate exemplary wiring 144 pathsand installation steps. The wiring 144 may be routed along the edge ofthe vehicle's 120 A pillar. The wiring 144 may then be routed under thehood of the vehicle 120 by removing the rubber gasket/weather strip, ifpresent. The wiring 144 may subsequently be connected to variousswitches and fuses located on or in the vehicle 120.

The wiring pathways and methods of installation described herein aremerely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. Any wiring pathwayor method of installation is contemplated. It is further contemplatedthat any and all of the components described herein may be customized,particularly with respect to size and shape, in order to be fitted tovarious vehicles 210. The wiring 144 may be configured to carryelectrical power as well as data and other communications.

Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the optionalor preferred features of the other embodiments of the present invention.The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to beexhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. Theexemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain theprinciples of the present invention so that others skilled in the artmay practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art willrealize that many variations and modifications may be made to thedescribed invention. Many of those variations and modifications willprovide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimedinvention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention onlyas indicated by the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A roof mounted vehicle topper comprising: anelectronic display; a housing for said electronic display; a cross barconfigured to be mounted to the roof of a vehicle, wherein at least aportion of said cross bar is hollow, and wherein said housing is mountedto said cross bar; a power source for said electronic display, whereinsaid power source is located outside of said housing; and electricalwiring extending from said power source, through the hollow portion ofsaid cross bar, to said electronic display.
 2. The system of claim 1further comprising: a wiring aperture located within the cross bar,wherein said electrical wiring extends through said wiring aperture. 3.The system of claim 2 further comprising: a connector located at an endof said electrical wiring; and a receptacle located at said housing,wherein said receptacle is configured to selectively receive theconnector.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein: the cross bar comprises: acenter section having a first end and a second end, wherein saidaperture is located at said center section; a first side sectionextending from the first end of said center section, wherein the firstside section has a proximal end which is connected to the centersection, and a distal end which is located at an opposing end of saidfirst side section; and a second side section extending from the secondend of said center section wherein the second side section has aproximal end which is connected to the center section, and a distal endwhich is located at an opposing end of said first side section; whereinat least one of said first side section and said second side section arehollow and form an additional wiring aperture at the distal end thereof,wherein said electrical wiring extends through the additional wiringaperture.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein: the center section is shapedas a hollow cuboid.
 6. The system of claim 5 further comprising: amounting bracket located at the housing and comprising a second apertureconfigured to accommodate the electrical wiring.
 7. The system of claim6 further comprising: a fascia piece configured for attachment to themounting bracket, wherein said fascia piece is configured to cover theaperture and the receptacle when secured to the mounting bracket.
 8. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein: the center section comprises a series ofadditional apertures configured to accommodate fasteners for securingthe vehicle topper to the cross bar by way of the mounting bracket. 9.The system of claim 5 wherein: the first side section continuouslyincreases in height from the proximal end to the distal end; and thesecond side section continuously increases in height from the proximalend to the distal end.
 10. The system of claim 1 further comprising: afirst outer plate located on a first end of said cross bar; a secondouter plate located on a second end of said cross bar; a first end capmounted to said first outer plate; and a second end cap mounted to saidsecond outer plate.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein: said power sourcecomprises a battery for the vehicle.
 12. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a second electronic display located within said housing andpositioned in a back to back arrangement with said electronic display.13. The system of claim 1 wherein: the electronic display is a liquidcrystal type display.
 14. The system of claim 1 wherein: The electricalwiring comprises festoon cabling.
 15. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising: a front mounting bracket located at a front end of saidhousing; a rear mounting bracket located at a rear end of said housing;a front fascia piece configured for attachment to said front mountingbracket, wherein said front fascia piece is configured to cover saidfront end of said housing when said front fascia piece is secured tosaid front mounting bracket; and a rear fascia piece configured forattachment to said rear mounting bracket, wherein said rear fascia pieceis configured to cover said rear end of said housing when said rearfascia piece is secured to said rear mounting bracket.
 16. The system ofclaim 15 wherein: said housing is mounted to said cross bar by way of atleast one of said front mounting bracket and said rear mounting bracket.17. A roof mounted vehicle topper comprising: a first and secondelectronic display; a housing for said first and second electronicdisplay, wherein said first and second electronic displays arepositioned in a back-to-back arrangement; a first and second hollowcross bar configured to be mounted to the roof of a vehicle; a frontmounting bracket located at a front end of said housing for securing thehousing to a center section of the first hollow cross bar; a rearmounting bracket located at a rear end of said housing for securing thehousing to a center section of the second hollow cross bar; a powersource for said first and second electronic display, wherein said powersource is located outside of said housing; a wiring aperture located inthe center section of at least one of said first and second hollow crossbars; electrical wiring extending from said power source located outsideof the housing, through a distal end of at least one of said first andsecond hollow cross bars, through the wiring aperture, and to said firstand second electronic displays; a front fascia piece configured forattachment to said front mounting bracket, wherein said front fasciapiece is configured to cover said front end of said housing when saidfront fascia piece is secured to said front mounting bracket; and a rearfascia piece configured for attachment to said rear mounting bracket,wherein said rear fascia piece is configured to cover said rear end ofsaid housing when said rear fascia piece is secured to said rearmounting bracket.
 18. The system of claim 17 further comprising: anouter plate located at each end of the first and second hollow crossbars; and an end cap mounted to each of the outer plates.
 19. The systemof claim 17 wherein: said power source comprises a battery for thevehicle.
 20. A roof mounted vehicle topper comprising: a first andsecond liquid crystal display (“LCD”); a housing for said first andsecond LCDs, wherein said first and second LCDs are positioned in aback-to-back arrangement; a first and second hollow cross bar configuredto be mounted to the roof of a vehicle in a spaced apart arrangement andsubstantially parallel to one another; a front mounting bracket locatedat a front end of said housing for securing the housing to a centersection of the first hollow cross bar; a rear mounting bracket locatedat a rear end of said housing for securing the housing to a centersection of the second hollow cross bar; a wiring aperture located in thecenter section of at least one of said first and second hollow crossbars; electrical wiring extending from a battery for the vehicle,through a distal end of at least one of said first and second hollowcross bars, through the wiring aperture, and to said first and secondLCDs; a connector located at an end of said electrical wiring; areceptacle located at said housing, wherein said receptacle isconfigured to selectively receive the connector; a front fascia piececonfigured for attachment to said front mounting bracket, wherein saidfront fascia piece is configured to cover said front end of said housingwhen said front fascia piece is secured to said front mounting bracket;a rear fascia piece configured for attachment to said rear mountingbracket, wherein said rear fascia piece is configured to cover said rearend of said housing when said rear fascia piece is secured to said rearmounting bracket; an outer plate located at each end of the first andsecond hollow cross bars; and an end cap mounted to each of the outerplates.